Health Tip: Avoiding Rip Tides

Please note: This article was published more than one year ago. The facts and conclusions presented may have since changed and may no longer be accurate. And "More information" links may no longer work. Questions about personal health should always be referred to a physician or other health care professional.

(HealthDay News) -- If you swim in the ocean, you should be aware of dangerous rip tides, sometimes called rip currents.

Most often, these fast-moving flows of water form at low spots, breaks in sandbars or near structures such as piers, experts at Texas A&M University say. Rip tides are notorious for pulling even the strongest swimmers under the water and away from shore.

The experts say rip tides account for at least 100 deaths a year in the United States, making them far more dangerous than sharks.

They offer these suggestions for avoiding rip tides:

Before you leave for the beach, check the local forecast to see if rip tides are predicted.